Radiology

Ultrasound Technician Jobs

Along with many other radiology careers, ultrasound technician jobs have many lifetime benefits that make the schooling worthwhile. Many people choose the track of going to a four year college to get a business degree and although they may become very successful in their future many people graduate and still don’t have any idea what they want to do with their lives. This is fine and many people eventually figure out what they want to do. However, that is the benefit of radiology and ultrasound technician schools. They are very specific and rigorous programs that lead to a specific lifetime career. Research is showing that more and more people today that are graduating with four year degrees end up going back to school to get a more specific degree, such as, Ultrasound.

Benefits to becoming a Sonographer

There are many benefits to becoming a Sonographer. Not only is it a very specific career, but all radiology degrees are in high demand. With our economy as it is today many people are struggling to find work. However, with a specific degree in Ultrasound, or even MRI, CT, and X-ray it is easier to find work with good benefits. There is good job security because people are always going to get sick and need medical support. The great benefit to Ultrasound is many doctors are requesting ultrasound first because they are fast, no radiation, and low cost to the patient.

Ultrasound Job Work Schedules

Ultrasound, just like any radiology modality can have flexible schedules. As a healthcare professional there are a variety of environments that you can work in that fits your lifestyle. Some people decide to work in a clinic with set hours and set schedules. Others find clinics to be too much of a routine so they find the hospital setting more enjoyable. Hospitals are fast pace with inpatients and outpatients. Clinics tend to have more of the set schedules from 8-5. However, many clinics have a variety of part -time and full-time employees. This makes it nice if you have a family that you need to plan your schedule around. The hospital setting can have set hours like a clinic, but they tend to have more people on call and working night shifts. This is great for single people that like the variety of different shifts. Again that is the benefit of being a Sonographer and choosing the schedule that fits your personal lifestyle.

Short School Requirements

Another crucial benefit of becoming a Sonographer is the amount of schooling in comparison to the overall rewarding career of Ultrasound. On average it does take four years to complete your degree in ultrasound. There are about 2 years of prerequisites and the actual program that you must apply for and be accepted into is a 2 year program, at most schools. The programs consist of 1 year in class work and 1 year in a clinical site working as an intern. Specialty programs in radiology are intense, but doable for a well-rounded focused person. After completing the program the average starting salary as a Sonographer is about $56,000. There aren’t many specialty 2 year programs that have the same benefits as a Sonographer: career driven, flexible schedules, short schooling, and high respected paying job.

Find A Program